jshannon

Quick FAQ’s on Vet Care for Cats

Cats are like babies–they require care and feeding on a regular basis. Some of that “care” includes vaccinations, parasite prevention, and disease screening.  There’s a lot of confusing information on vet care for cats. so here’s our super simple “who/what/when” primer we use with cats and kittens in our hospital. It includes the basic services/medications each healthy kitten and adult cat should receive.

Kitten Vet Care Schedule

  • Examination — first visit and then every 3 weeks (i.e., with every set of vaccinations) until 16 weeks of age.

  • FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) & FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) Test — first visit.

  • FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) vaccination — first given at 6 to 8 weeks of age, then boosted every 3 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age.

  • Rabies vaccination – given at 12 weeks of age. In Texas, it cannot be given earlier.

  • FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus) vaccination — first given at 12 weeks of age, then boosted 3 weeks later. It can be given as early as 8 weeks of age if necessary.

  • Start monthly heartworm preventive at first visit, as needed.

  • Start monthly flea control at first visit.

  • Fecal Analysis — first visit and as needed. Tests for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, coccidia, giardia.

  • Deworming — first visit and as needed.

  • Spay/Neuter — when the kitten reaches 4 lbs and 4 mos of age.

  • Microchip

Adult Cat Vet Care Schedule

  • Examination — every year.

  • Deworming — every year.

  • FVRCP vaccination — this vaccination is boosted within a year of the original, and then every 3 years.

  • Rabies vaccination — this vaccination is boosted within a year of the original (365 days or less), and within every 3 years.

  • FeLV — this vaccination is boosted within a year of the original, and then every year for cats who go outside, are exposed to cats who go in/out, or are exposed to FeLV positive cats.

  • Heartworm preventive — monthly, if needed.

  • Flea control — monthly.

  • Geriatric/Senior blood profile — starting at 7 years of age and then every year.

  • Dental Cleaning —this is done under anesthesia and done periodically, as needed, per veterinary recommendation.

Information for Feeding your cat.

Information for Alternatives to Declawing your cat.

Information for Litter Box Issues.

Information for Dental Care.

Hope this helps! For in-depth info on vaccination protocols see the 2013 AAFP Feline Vaccination Guidelines.

For additional info or to schedule an appointment, call us at 281.351.7184 or schedule online.

We love ’em like you do!